"Master, I want to see."

On Sunday, we will hear about the healing of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52. This story comes at the end of the lengthy section where Jesus predicted and explained his passion three times which his disciples failed to understand.


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 28, 2012 (30B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Is Religion for the weak of heart and mind?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
Jeremiah 31:7-9

1. This reading is about God’s promise to deliver his people. They were a remnant, blind and lame, with children or not, and they departed in tears. What does your parish or office or family do to help God’s deliver his people? What do you do?

2. Is there anyone in your life who just needs the road “leveled out” a little? If you help, how is this good for both of you? Does self-giving help bring about the reign of God?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 126: 1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

1. The Psalm alludes to a reversal of spiritual exile that may apply to people like us. Tell of how the Lord has brought you back from a time of being distant from Him.

2. Our psalmist suggests that we carry the seeds of our own salvation even while we go forth weeping. Speak of how your faith has saved you, when you looked to the Lord for healing.

Second Reading
Hebrews 4:12-13

1. “He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness.” How would “experiencing weakness” help someone minister to others? Do you think Jesus’ human experience and suffering draws people to him?

2. Baptism makes all of us ministers in the reign of God. Think about Moses, Peter, Paul, St. Augustine, Blessed Damien, St. Thomas Aquinas and others. Did their weaknesses help make them good ministers?

Gospel
Mark 10:46-52


1. The disciples were trying to shut him up. But Bartimaeus kept calling out to Jesus anyway. What do you do when others tell you to keep quiet? In the history of the Church can you think of great scientists and theologians who were silenced?

2. “Master, I want to see.” What is it that you want to “see” that will change your life as radically as Jesus changed that of Bartimaeus? What was the miracle here, the faith of Bartimaeus or the healing of physical blindness?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your thoughts online on the Sunday Readings. And please do use these questions for your own Bible study sessions with family and friends.

"Whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all."

This Sunday, October 21, 2012, Mark's Gospel passage depicts the disciples' response to Jesus' third passion prediction. Like the first two predictions, the disciples again appear to misunderstand what Jesus has told them. They are caught up with the ambition for power, glory and honor. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

In this Gospel James and John are more concerned with the success of having highest positions of honor and power in the kingdom. In fact, Fr. Campion P. Gavaler, OSB reminds us that shortly before, Jesus had called Peter a Satan because Peter rebuked him when he began to talk about the suffering and death he would soon undergo.

The Twelve Were Imperfect, Ordinary Men

The naked ambition of James and John should be of much consolation to everyone of us. James Gilhooley says Mark is telling us that neither one of these gentlemen was a saint. And, Fr. Orly Sapuay, MS points out, the other ten did not understand any better. In fact, Fr. Jim Kirstein, SMA adds, one of Mark’s aims was to show us the disciples in their very human condition, warts and all. Eventually they would all abandon him.

And just like them, many of us today also want to be of service to God, and we want to be recognized as one of His favored followers. What we often are chasing in all of this - Fr. Ron Rolheiser cautions us - is notice and adulation so that we can be duly recognized and loved. So just like the twelve we are imperfect.

Msgr. Charles Pope tells us, however, that imperfection is something to be accepted with humility. We are ordinary, imperfect and we live in a seldom perfect world strife with loss, death and suffering. But these are not are not the worst thing for us, even though they certainly seem to be. Fr. John Foley, S. J. says the worst would be loss of love’s groundwork, the never-ending love of God.

Greatness in Humble Service

Jesus takes up the disciples’ ambitious attitude and, in fact, even enjoins them to aspire for greatness. But our Lord makes it clear, Fr. Omer Prieto points out, that such greatness is defined by humble service. Jesus in effect redefines greatness. Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio says the one who is greatest, and is most like God, is not the one who appears on the cover of People magazine. It is the one who will go to the greatest lengths for those who are least worthy and least grateful.

If we are to be followers of Jesus and be truly great, we must renounce placing any limits on how much we are willing to give or whom we are willing to serve. Because as, Father Cusick tells us, the door to the heavenly reign is through suffering and service. And it is not the Presider’s chair, the Bishop’s cathedra, the judge’s bench or the big chair in the Oval Office that confers true authority. Fr. Phil Bloom points out that true authority, true power comes from God.

The Year of Faith

We embark this month on the Year of Faith. Pope Benedict introduced this week a new series of catechesis meant to accompany the Church during the year-long celebration. Here is a translation of the pope's address. The Holy Father said it will be a year of catechesis dedicated to healing the rupture between what we profess and how we live our daily lives as believers in Christ and avoid "do it yourself religions".

In its essence, faith is an acceptance of what God has revealed about himself in Christ. Yet, Archbishop Richard W. Smith of Edmonton reminds us, we can sometimes find ourselves assuming that the reach of God's power does not extend beyond the parameters of our human judgment.

So how should we live this Year of Faith? The Bishops have suggested that we spend the next 365 days delving deeper into our relationship with Christ and her Church. That sounds fine enough, but how? Sherry Antonetti offers a few methods for turning this year of faith into a rich experience -- 100 ways, in fact. The goal is to grow so pick a few that will stretch your soul. I and steel your faith.

New Saints of the Church

Also a part of the October celebrations at the Vatican is the canonization of seven saints. We feature two of them today.

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680), also known as Blessed Catherine Tekakwitha, is among those who will be canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21. She was born at Ossernenon, near Auriesville, New York, USA. Her father was a Mohawk chief and her mother was a Catholic Algonquin. When Tekakwitha was eighteen, Father de Lamberville, a Jesuit missionary, came to Caughnawaga and established a chapel. At age twenty she was baptized and was given the name of Kateri, which is Mohawk for Catherine. Kateri is known as "Lily of the Mohawks" or "Beautiful Flower Among True Men." Read her martyrdom story here.

Pope Benedict XVI will also canonize Blessed Pedro Calungsod who gave his life for the faith on April 2, 1672, in Guam. Calungsod was a Filipino lay catechist born in 1654 and was doing a missionary work in Guam. Blessed John Paul II beatified him on March 5, 2000. The saint has been referred to as intercessor for the young.

Catholics & the 2012 Elections

The election fever hits a fever pitch as we wind down to the last two weeks of campaigning. But the internet age has created a real problem: too much information, not enough meaning. That means the real skill now is learning how to pick out the useful information from all this noise. However, Simcha Fisher tells us that we are never to lose track of the difference between Catholic context and Catholic noise. The Church is specific where she needs to be, and broad where she knows people need room to act according to their consciences. The Church speaks on behalf of God, who knows hearts.

Meanwhile, if you watched the vice presidential debate, you must have scratched your head when Vice President Joe Biden stated "as fact" that the HHS mandate does not infringe on religious freedom. Not unexpectedly, the U.S. bishops immediately criticized him for an “inaccurate statement of fact” about the HHS mandate’s impact on religious institutions.

Happy Husbands and Great Mother in Laws

Jennifer Fulwiler must have been first in line when God was handing out mothers-in-law. She said she managed to get one who has always been a great mother-in-law. She shares with us the most important three things her mother in law did, especially in those first few years of her marriage to her husband, that really helped set a great tone for years to come

While Katie Sciba talks about her husband. She says though women wonder what men want, she can tell you with ZERO hesitation or uncertainty that what her husband Andrew wants. What he really wants – she says – is a happy, attentive, supportive wife. From her side of things, life goes along more merrily when her hard-workin’ breadwinner is content all around.And from his perspective, she can only imagine the pleasantness of coming home to pleasantness.

Hollywood Rediscovers Faith

Lured by public-domain source material and epic adventure stories ripe for big-time special effects, studios and filmmakers are rediscovering the Good Book. And so when it sets sail in the coming film "Noah," a massive 148-foot wooden ark will carry not only a slew of zoo animals, but one of Hollywood's biggest wagers in years. "Noah," a $125 million epic from Viacom's Paramount Pictures, starring Russell Crowe and directed by Darren Aronofsky, is one of a boatload of religious films in the works from major movie studios.

Also on the Hollywood front, Jerry Mathers, the "Leave it to Beaver" star of the 50s and 60s, recently returned to his hometown, Sioux City, Iowa to boost the cause of Catholic education.  Mathers' family lived in Morningside and he was baptized at Immaculate Conception. Today, he lends his name to many non-profit causes. He graduated from Notre Dame High School and says his Catholic education has helped guide him over the years. "It gives a child a different perspective than a public education, and one that I believe in," said Mathers who also sent his three children to Catholic school.

Another eventful week in our Catholic World. Have a great and blessed new week.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief
 
BURNING QUESTION: Is it OK to just not vote?
FEATURED BLOG: 100 Ways to Live this Year of Faith
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"Whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all."

This Sunday, Mark's Gospel passage depicts the disciples' response to Jesus' third passion prediction. Like the first two predictions, the disciples again appear to misunderstand what Jesus has told them. They are caught up with the ambition for power, glory and honor.


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 21, 2012 (29B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Is it OK to just not vote?

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Isaiah 53:10-11

1. Do you suffer with a loved one who is suffering? Would you take the person’s place if you could? Does God act in this manner regarding the suffering of human beings?

2. “Do this in memory of me.” Is this an invitation to join Jesus’ suffering and participate in his redemption of the world? Can God use your actions or your suffering to accomplish God’s work in the world today?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 33: 4-5, 18-19, 20, 22

1. The psalmist says, 'Our soul waits for the Lord.' Tell of how you have a spiritual hunger for the Lord in your life, and explain how the Lord satisfies your longing.

2. The psalm's verses state that, 'The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him.' Do you feel the eyes of the Lord upon you because you hold Him in awe? Explain.

Second Reading
Hebrews 4:12-13

1. Christ is able to “sympathize with our weaknesses,” the reading says. Does he completely understand your situation no matter how complicated it is? Are you able to understand other people’s weaknesses?

2. Jesus was tested in every way we are. Do you ever remember this fact when you are being tested?

Gospel
Mark 10:35-45 or 10:42-45


1. What place do status, rank and privilege have in Christian ministry? Why does Jesus attribute so much importance to the emptying of oneself?

2. Jesus told the disciples that the way to rank first is by serving others. What does unselfish service look like in your parish, work, or home? On a larger scale how could it change the world?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your thoughts online on the Sunday Readings. And please do use these questions for your own Bible study sessions with family and friends.

"Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor."

“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” The young man in this Sunday’s gospel narrative asks Jesus the most important and most fundamental question. Moreover, the young man is open. He sincerely seeks an answer from the Lord. “What must I do?"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 14, 2012 (28B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Does God Want You to be Rich?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Wisdom 7:7-11

1. Consider power, money, health, beauty and wisdom. Where does wisdom fall in your hierarchy of values? If you rank wisdom first, does it stay there? Which of the other values overpower wisdom most often in your life?

2. A law student decides to work for social justice instead of a wealthy law firm. How do “all good things come together” for him? How are “countless riches” given to him?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 90: 12-13, 14-15, 16-17

1. The Psalm speaks about using our time wisely. Tell of how you set your priorities so that you are serving God and doing His will.

2. Our psalmist talks of how we may gain 'wisdom of heart.' Give an example of how you are receiving wisdom to discern a correct view of life so that you will not offend the Lord.

Second Reading
Hebrews 4:12-13

1. The Word “discerns reflections and thoughts of the heart.” How do you feel about the Word knowing you better than you know yourself? Do you trust God with such personal things? And would you like to know yourself better?

2. Do motives and attitude color your decision-making? Are your motives and attitudes in good order, or could they use a re-alignment?

Gospel
Mark 10:17-30 or 10:17-27


1. Think of people, ones that you know, who give all the time. What are they like? Do they receive the hundredfold Jesus promised to those who give? What happens to you when you give?

2. Are possessions themselves the difficulty, or is clinging to possessions the problem? Can they be a stumbling block to a poor person as well as to a wealthy person? Discuss whether you think possessions could be a stumbling block to the Church itself.

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your thoughts online on the Sunday Readings. And please do use these questions for your own Bible study sessions with family and friends

"And the two shall become one flesh."

In today’s Gospel we are presented with Jesus’ teaching on the indissolubility of marriage. To many people today this teaching might seem overly strict or out of harmony with the modern reality of frequent marriage breakdown.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 7, 2012 (27B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Is Divorce a sin according to the Catholic Church?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
Genesis 2:18-24

1. Adam, one of us, gave each creature its name. Have we cared for the planet and all the life on it? What about environmental problems on the earth? Discuss what you can do in your home or place of work to make changes for the better.

2. Do you think the culture from which this story comes values women the same as men? Why or why not? What would you say to a person who thinks the superiority of men over women is divinely revealed in this text? What would you do if the women and men in your work place were not treated as equals?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 128: 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

1. Our psalmist speaks of the benefits of a right relationship with the Lord. Tell of how fearing the Lord has led you to have a better relationshipwith your spouse and your family members.

2. The Psalm asks, "May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives."Recall how you have been blessed by God, both physically and spiritually, and how you have been inspired to walk in His ways.

Second Reading
Hebrews 2:9-11

1. What ideas do you get when you tie the first line of the first reading, “The Lord God said: ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.’ with the first line from the second reading, “He ‘for a little while’ was made ‘lower than the angels.’ ” (For the little while he was with us.)

2. Jesus consecrated himself to his Father and us along with him. He called us sisters and brothers. How does this impact reverence toward our brothers and sisters? Do you treat the bag lady with the same respect that you treat the CEO?

Gospel
Mark 10:2-16 or 10:2-12

1. The Pharisees tried to trick Jesus with their question about divorce. He answered with a question about what Moses allowed. In the light of human weakness do you think concessions like annulments are necessary?

2. All deep bonds with others have a profound effect on our lives. What kinds of things bring people together in the first place? What can you do you to hold those bonds intact? On a scale of 1 to 10, where would you rank communication as a help to hold the bonds intact?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your thoughts online on the Sunday Readings. And please do use these questions for your own Bible study sessions with family and friends.
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"For whoever is not against us is for us."

It is not easy to understand the forcefulness of Jesus' language in the Gospel this Sunday, the pure penetrating power with which He spoke and continues to speak to His listeners. Yet, we can approach some kind of understanding if we pay close attention to the prophets of this world.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 30, 2012 (26B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Does the Church allow abortion if the mother's life is at risk?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
Numbers 11:25-29

1. Joshua wanted Moses to stop Eldad and Medad’s prophesying because they didn’t follow the rules. Can you relate to this kind of problem? What was Moses’ response? Is there any similarity to Jesus’ response in the Gospel?

2. Does the Spirit work in many religions? Ever? Always? What might the Spirit be doing religions other than your own? Do you look for gifts in other people to see what actions God might be taking through them?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 19: 8, 10, 12-13, 14

1. Our Psalm Response this Sunday is "The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart." Do you believe that the Lord's commandments can be a source of joy, instead of a set of rules and restrictions? Explain.

2. Our psalmist says that the 'decree of the Lord gives wisdom to the simple.' Describe how God's Law inspires you to celebrate God's perfection and helps you to imitate the divine life.

Second Reading
James 5:1-6

1. Wages withheld from the harvesters cry aloud, James says. How does his message apply today?

2. The rich got their wealth at the expense of the poor. Explain this in terms of the harvesters in the reading. How does humane treatment relate to a living wage? To profound respect?

Gospel
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48


1. John in the Gospel and Joshua in the First Reading had the same problem: unauthorized people were prophesizing. What was Jesus’ response to the idea that no one outside the inner circle was to minister in his name? Can anyone lay exclusive claim to the reign of God as Jesus revealed it?

2. Did Jesus mean the words “cutting off of hands” literally? If not, how do you interpret his message?

Sunday Bible Study Group

Please share your thoughts online on the Sunday Readings. And please do use these questions for your own Bible study sessions with family and friends.
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"If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all."

In Sunday's Gospel passage (Mark 9:30-37), Jesus' announcement of his passion and death leaves the disciples without words. In the meantime, they argue who was the most important among them. We find the same pattern as in last week's Gospel -- the prediction, misunderstanding, and instruction on the nature of discipleship.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 23, 2012 (25B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Is it more noble to volunteer for secular or church work?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
Wisdom 2:12, 17-20

1. “Let us find out what will happen to him,” they said. What did they find out? Did God take care of the just one? Did God give help? Maybe you have asked God for something and received something quite different. What happened to you?

2. “Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us, he sets himself against our doings.” About whom does this speak? Why? Are you obnoxious to anyone because you speak out against doings you consider wrong?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 54: 3-4, 5, 6, 8

1. Our psalmist is fighting against forces that threaten him; he says, "The ruthless seek my life." Are you aware of powerful forces, both external and internal, that put your faith in jeopardy? Explain.

2. The Psalm says, "The Lord upholds my life." Speak of how your life is sustained by the Lord when you are under threat both physically and spiritually.

Second Reading
James 3:16 - 4:3

1. Where does ambition for power and greatness lead? What does it do to a country? to a business? to a Church? Is there a way to cultivate peace?

2. Know them by their fruits. If a work produces jealousy, selfish ambition, conflicts and close-mindedness, how good is the tree? What about mercy, compliance, constancy, sincerity, and peace? Which kind of tree are you?

Gospel
Mark 9:30-37


1. The disciples didn’t understand the “servant” idea. They still wanted choice positions in Jesus’ kingdom. So Jesus sat down to teach them what it means to serve. Why does he direct their attention to a child who needs to have everything done for him?

2. In order to rank first, Jesus tells the disciples they should be the servants of all. Who would you serve if you could? Anyone close to you? Where do you think your parish ranks in taking care of people in need? Where would you rank yourself?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your thoughts on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. 
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